ET Startup Awards 2026 to name winners as Bengaluru cements funding lead

The Economic Times Startup Awards (ETSA) will announce its 2026 winners in Bengaluru today, with Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal attending as guest of honour. The event brings together past and current nominees, investors, and operators from across India’s emerging businesses.

Goyal is set to discuss efforts to support startups, per earlier reporting. His participation follows a pattern of increased engagement from senior officials, suggesting a shift in how policymakers view the sector. When we reported on his planned appearance last month, we noted his focus on linking startup growth to trade and investment priorities.

Bengaluru’s role as a funding hub provides context for the awards. Startups in the city raised $4.4 billion in the first nine months of 2026—more than the combined total of the next five highest-funded Indian cities, according to data published on 25 September. While the city’s share has declined from earlier years, it remains the largest recipient of startup capital in the country.

This year’s winners include Armatrix, which won the Best on Campus category for its industrial robotic arms. Another Bengaluru-based startup, SatLEO, launched India’s first thermal payload to orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 last month, highlighting the city’s strength in deep tech and aerospace. The awards may highlight startups that combine hardware innovation with commercial potential.

Sources: economictimes.indiatimes.com